The 45th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, held on April 29, 2018, celebrated the pinnacle of daytime television excellence at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Days of Our Lives emerged as the night's biggest victor, securing the prestigious Outstanding Drama Series title, while James Reynolds and Eileen Davidson earned the top acting honors.
The 2018 ceremony was a landmark event for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), reflecting a period of transition and creative resurgence in daytime programming. Hosted by Mario Lopez (Extra) and Sheryl Underwood (The Talk), the gala highlighted the enduring appeal of long-running soap operas, the competitive landscape of talk shows, and the burgeoning influence of digital daytime dramas. As we reflect on these achievements from the vantage point of 2026, the 2018 winners list serves as a vital historical record of the talent that shaped the modern daytime landscape.
The Cultural Landscape of Daytime Television in 2018
To understand the weight of the 2018 wins, one must consider the state of the industry during that season. Daytime television was grappling with the rapid rise of streaming services, yet traditional broadcast networks—ABC, CBS, and NBC—maintained a firm grip on the "Big Four" soap operas: General Hospital, The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Days of Our Lives.
The 2017–2018 television season was characterized by high-stakes storytelling and a push for diverse representation. This was notably reflected in the nominations and subsequent wins, particularly in the lead acting categories. The ceremony also marked a period where digital platforms were no longer outliers but integral components of the "daytime" definition, with the Outstanding Digital Daytime Drama Series category gaining significant prestige.
Outstanding Drama Series and Acting Categories
The drama categories are traditionally the centerpiece of the Daytime Emmy Awards. In 2018, the competition was particularly fierce, as each of the four major soaps delivered critically acclaimed storylines involving complex social issues, classic "supercouple" reunions, and high-concept plot twists.
The Triumph of Days of Our Lives
Days of Our Lives took home the award for Outstanding Drama Series, a significant win for the NBC staple. This victory was attributed to the show’s revitalization under head writer Ron Carlivati, whose scripts balanced the show’s rich history with fast-paced, contemporary narratives. The win ended a brief dry spell for the program and solidified its status as a creative powerhouse within the genre.
Historic Wins in Lead Acting
The acting categories in 2018 provided some of the night’s most emotional moments. James Reynolds, who portrays Abe Carver on Days of Our Lives, won for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. This was a historic milestone, as Reynolds became only the second African American actor to win in this category, following Al Freeman Jr. in 1979. His win was widely seen as a long-overdue recognition of his decades-long contribution to the medium.
On the women’s side, Eileen Davidson secured the trophy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Ashley Abbott on The Young and the Restless. Davidson, also known for her work on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, was lauded for her nuanced portrayal of a woman navigating corporate espionage and complex family dynamics.
Supporting and Younger Performers
The supporting categories highlighted the depth of talent across the ensembles. Greg Vaughan (Days of Our Lives) won Outstanding Supporting Actor, while Camryn Grimes (The Young and the Restless) took home Outstanding Supporting Actress. Grimes made history by becoming the youngest person to win two Daytime Emmys, having previously won as a child actor years earlier.
In the younger categories, Chloe Lanier (General Hospital) and Rome Flynn (The Bold and the Beautiful) were recognized for their breakout performances, signaling a bright future for the next generation of daytime stars.
Talk Shows and Informative Programming
The talk show landscape in 2018 was a mix of veteran staples and newer entries vying for dominance in a crowded market. The Academy distinguishes between "Entertainment" and "Informative" talk shows to better categorize the diverse range of content.
Entertainment and Informative Winners
The Talk (CBS) won Outstanding Talk Show Entertainment, beating out perennial favorites like The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The chemistry of the 2018 panel, which included Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Sheryl Underwood, and Eve, was cited as a primary reason for the show's success.
In the Outstanding Talk Show Informative category, The Dr. Oz Show continued its winning streak. The program was recognized for its ability to distill complex medical and health information into accessible segments for a broad audience.
Individual Hosting Honors
The award for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host was shared by the hosts of The Real (Adrienne Houghton, Loni Love, Jeannie Mai, and Tamera Mowry-Housley). This win was celebrated for highlighting the importance of diverse voices in the daytime talk space. Meanwhile, Steve Harvey secured the win for Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host for his work on Steve, showcasing his versatility beyond the game show format.
Game Shows, Culinary, and Specialized Categories
Beyond the dramas and talk shows, the Daytime Emmys recognize a vast array of programming that defines the "daytime" experience, from morning game shows to instructional culinary programs.
Game Shows
The Price Is Right (CBS) won Outstanding Game Show, a testament to the enduring format’s ability to evolve while maintaining its core appeal under host Drew Carey. The award for Outstanding Game Show Host went to Wayne Brady for Let’s Make a Deal, marking another milestone in his multi-faceted career.
Culinary and Lifestyle
A Chef's Life won for Outstanding Culinary Program, highlighting the growing trend of documentary-style cooking shows that focus on regional ingredients and personal storytelling. Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg also made headlines during this era with their unique collaboration, though the 2018 winner for Outstanding Culinary Host was Lidia Bastianich for Lidia’s Kitchen.
The Creative Arts Daytime Emmys
Two days prior to the main telecast, the Creative Arts Daytime Emmy Awards were held to honor the technical and behind-the-scenes brilliance that makes television possible. These awards cover everything from makeup and hairstyling to lighting and sound design.
Significant winners in this segment included:
- The Bay The Series: Continued its dominance in the Outstanding Digital Daytime Drama Series category.
- Sesame Street: Swept multiple categories in the children’s programming division, proving its timeless relevance.
- Talk Show Technical Wins: The View and The Ellen DeGeneres Show were recognized for their superior technical direction and camera work.
Complete 2018 Daytime Emmy Winners Showcase Table
The following table summarizes the primary winners across the major categories of the 45th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
| Category | Winner | Program |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding Drama Series | Days of Our Lives | NBC |
| Lead Actor in a Drama Series | James Reynolds | Days of Our Lives |
| Lead Actress in a Drama Series | Eileen Davidson | The Young and the Restless |
| Supporting Actor in a Drama Series | Greg Vaughan | Days of Our Lives |
| Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | Camryn Grimes | The Young and the Restless |
| Younger Actor in a Drama Series | Rome Flynn | The Bold and the Beautiful |
| Younger Actress in a Drama Series | Chloe Lanier | General Hospital |
| Guest Performer in a Drama Series | Vernee Watson | General Hospital |
| Talk Show (Entertainment) | The Talk | CBS |
| Talk Show (Informative) | The Dr. Oz Show | Syndicated |
| Game Show | The Price Is Right | CBS |
| Culinary Program | A Chef's Life | PBS |
| Morning Program | Good Morning America | ABC |
| Legal/Courtroom Program | Judge Mathis | Syndicated |
| Entertainment News Program | Entertainment Tonight | Syndicated |
Significant Moments and Lifetime Achievement
One of the most poignant moments of the 2018 ceremony was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor was bestowed upon Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes, the real-life and on-screen couple from Days of Our Lives. Their contribution to the medium spans over five decades, and their acceptance speech served as a love letter to the daytime community and its loyal fans.
The 2018 awards also highlighted the increasing importance of social media and digital engagement. The "Winners Showcase" was not just a physical trophy presentation but a multi-platform event where fans could interact with their favorite stars via live streams and social media takeovers, a trend that has only intensified in the years leading up to 2026.
Impact and Legacy of the 2018 Awards
Looking back, the 2018 Daytime Emmy Awards marked a high point for traditional soap opera storytelling. The wins for Days of Our Lives signaled a "creative second wind" for the show, which helped it secure multi-year renewals and eventually a successful transition to the Peacock streaming platform.
Furthermore, the recognition of diverse talent like James Reynolds and the hosts of The Real paved the way for a more inclusive industry. For technical professionals, the 2018 Creative Arts wins provided the credentials necessary to push the boundaries of what is possible on a daytime budget, leading to the high-definition, cinematic quality we see in contemporary daytime programming today.
The 45th Daytime Emmys were more than just a list of winners; they were a reflection of an industry in the midst of a successful metamorphosis, proving that daytime television remains a vital and beloved part of the global media landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who hosted the 2018 Daytime Emmy Awards?
The ceremony was hosted by Mario Lopez, host of the entertainment news show Extra, and Sheryl Underwood, a comedian and co-host of the CBS talk show The Talk. Their chemistry and experience in the daytime format helped maintain a fast-paced and engaging telecast.
Which soap opera won the most awards in 2018?
Days of Our Lives was the dominant force at the 2018 awards, winning the top prize for Outstanding Drama Series along with several major acting awards, including Lead Actor and Supporting Actor.
Where can I find the official records for 2018 winners?
Official records and historical data are maintained by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS). Detailed archives are often available on their official website, TheEmmys.tv, which provides a comprehensive database of past winners and nominees.
Was the 2018 ceremony televised?
The 2018 Daytime Emmy Awards were not broadcast on traditional network television. Instead, they were streamed live via Facebook Live, Twitter, and the Emmy website. This was a significant shift in how the awards were distributed, reflecting the industry's move toward digital consumption.
Did any streaming services win in 2018?
While traditional networks still dominated the major drama categories, digital series like The Bay and After Forever won in the "Digital Daytime Drama" categories. This era marked the beginning of a larger shift where digital-first content began to receive equal footing with broadcast shows.
Next Steps for Researchers and Fans
If you are looking to verify specific technical credits or minor category winners not listed in the major showcase table, the best course of action is to consult the IMDb 2018 Daytime Emmy Page or the official NATAS press releases from April 2018. For fans of specific shows, many of the winning episodes from this era are archived on network streaming apps like Paramount+ (for CBS soaps) or Peacock (for Days of Our Lives), providing a chance to see the award-winning performances in context.
